Suspect Arrested in Murder of Former Police Inspector Dedimuni Balendra

COLOMBO (News 1st); A suspect connected to the murder of former Police Inspector Dedimuni Balendra, who was killed while actively involved in suppressing underworld activities in the Southern Province, has been arrested by law enforcement authorities.

The individual taken into custody is the motorcyclist who allegedly accompanied the gunman involved in the assassination. The suspect was arrested in the Meetiyagoda area by officers of the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau.

During questioning, police recovered a T‑56 firearm, several rounds of ammunition, and a magazine that had been buried in the suspect’s home garden.

Police said the suspect is currently being questioned under a detention order.

Former Police Inspector Dedimuni Balendra was killed in a shooting incident that took place on September 9, 2023, in the Devenigoda area of Rathgama. He was 47 years old at the time of his death and had served at several police stations, including as the former Officer‑in‑Charge of the Elpitiya Crimes Division.

His elder brother was also injured in the same shooting.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that on September 12, 2023, a suspect connected to the shooting of former Police Inspector Balendra was killed during a gun battle with the Special Task Force in the Thelwatta area of Meetiyagoda.